Universal auto theater system for notebook pc

• US 20040090739A1
• Filed: 11/13/2002
• Published: 05/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Juneau, James J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,819,554 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.27
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0252 for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like

Abstract

The present invention can be embodied as a case for securing a notebook computer with video display to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing. The case comprises a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer. A plurality of straps are coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and include an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump, such that the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display.

Claims

1. A case for securing a notebook computer with video display to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing, comprising:

a) a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer;

b) a plurality of straps coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and including an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump; and

c) a compartment wherein the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display.

2. The case as in claim 1 wherein the anchoring member is selected from the group consisting of hooks, snaps, pins, clamps, elastomeric bands, and hook and loop devices.

3. The case as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of straps are detachable from the case.

4. The case as in claim 3 wherein a pocket is disposed in the case to contain the detached plurality of straps.

5. The case as in claim 1 wherein the notebook is secured into the case with a securing strap.

6. A video system for playing video in a vehicle, comprising:

a) a notebook computer with a video display;

b) floor covering disposed over a center hump within the vehicle;

c) a case for securing the notebook computer to the center hump in a position for viewing, further comprising;

1) a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer;

2) a plurality of straps coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and including an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump by attaching to the floor covering; and

3) a compartment wherein the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display;

d) a power adapter configured such that the notebook computer can receive power from a vehicle DC outlet; and

e) an audio adapter to transmit an audio signal from the notebook computer to a vehicle audio system.

7. The video system as in claim 6 wherein the anchoring member is selected from the group consisting of hooks, snaps, pins, clamps, elastomeric bands, and hook and loop devices.

8. The video system as in claim 6 wherein the plurality of straps are detachable from the bottom part of the case.

9. The video system as in claim 8 wherein a pocket is disposed in the case to contain the detached plurality of straps.

10. A method for viewing video in a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

a) anchoring a notebook computer to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing;

b) coupling the notebook computer to the vehicle'"'"'s DC power supply;

c) coupling the notebook computer'"'"'s audio output to the vehicle'"'"'s audio system;

d) playing video on the notebook computer such that the video can be viewed on the notebook computer'"'"'s video screen and audio output from the video is played over the vehicle'"'"'s audio system.